FIRE MARSHAL POS# 110000302

Position Overview Cumberland County Emergency Services seeks a strategic, collaborative leader to serve as Fire Marshal. As a senior member of the Emergency Services leadership team, the Fire Marshal directs the strategic, administrative, and operational functions of the Fire Marshal’s Division, providing countywide leadership in fire prevention, fire code enforcement, arson and fire origin investigations, community risk reduction, and fire service coordination. This position guides policy development, long-range planning, fiscal stewardship, and interagency partnerships to strengthen community safety and resilience. During major incidents and natural or human-caused disasters, the Fire Marshal represents the County, serves in a senior leadership role within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and provides executive-level guidance to support coordinated response efforts. Working closely with fire chiefs, County administration, schools, businesses, and state and federal partners, this leader advances collaborative solutions that enhance preparedness and fire protection capabilities throughout Cumberland County. The position also performs related duties as assigned by the Emergency Services Director. Work rotating on-call hours 5:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. Monday – Thursday and 5:00 p.m. Friday – 8:00 a.m. Monday as scheduled to respond to outages and emergencies. Examples of Duties

• Directs and oversees fire code enforcement, inspections, life-safety programs, and regulatory compliance activities, ensuring adherence to the North Carolina State Fire Code, applicable laws, and mandated inspection schedules• Interprets and enforces applicable fire codes, regulations, and safety standards; oversees code compliance determinations, violation notices, corrective actions, and enforcement procedures to promote public safety
• Develops and implements departmental goals, operational policies, procedures, and performance standards; manages budgets, personnel resources, capital needs, and the accuracy and integrity of records management systems (RMS)
• Provides direct supervision to professional Deputy Fire Marshals, including assigning and reviewing work, approving timesheets and leave requests, coordinating onboarding and training, conducting performance evaluations, providing professional development opportunities, and administering corrective or progressive disciplinary actions in accordance with County policies
• Coordinates with local fire chiefs, County officials, and state and regional agencies to support fire prevention initiatives, regulatory inspections, North Carolina Department of Insurance requirements, and Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluations
• Develops, coordinates, and oversees fire prevention education, life-safety training, and community risk reduction programs for emergency responders, schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and high-risk populations; represents the department at community events and public safety initiatives
• Supports the Emergency Services Director and Emergency Management Program Coordinator during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations, major emergencies, and disaster response operations; performs assigned Incident Command System (ICS) leadership functions, evaluates operational needs, and coordinates resources and interagency response activities
• Participates in fire cause-and-origin investigations and supports the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Arson Task Force by coordinating with law enforcement agencies, collecting and preserving evidence, preparing investigative reports, and providing technical assistance and testimony as appropriate
• Collaborates with investigative partners, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and prosecutorial agencies to support fire investigations, identify emerging trends, and recommend strategies to reduce fire-related risks
• Prepares and maintains reports, operational records, and regulatory documentation for County administration and state agencies; monitors changes in applicable legislation, codes, and professional standards while maintaining effective communication with emergency response partners, stakeholders, and the public

Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited two-year college or technical school with a degree in Fire Science, Emergency Services, or a related field and three (3) years of experience in fire, emergency services, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant fire or emergency services experience. Management Preferences: Background and experience as an NC Fire Inspector Level III. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of fire prevention principles, fire inspection procedures, code enforcement practices, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and safety standards
• Knowledge of fire investigation techniques, including fire cause-and-origin determination, evidence collection, and investigative procedures
• Knowledge of emergency response operations, Incident Command System (ICS) principles, interagency coordination, and emergency management procedures
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and established procedures associated with fire inspections, investigations, and emergency response activities
• Knowledge of administrative management principles, including program development, operational planning, budgeting, personnel supervision, and organizational policies and procedures
• Skill in interpreting and applying fire codes, building plans, maps, technical reports, investigative findings, and regulatory requirements
• Skill in analyzing complex situations, evaluating potential risks, resolving problems, and exercising sound judgment in routine and emergency situations
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with employees, government officials, emergency response agencies, community organizations, and the general public
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate fire prevention, inspection, code enforcement, and life-safety programs in accordance with established policies and applicable regulations
• Ability to supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate assigned personnel while promoting professional development, accountability, and adherence to departmental standards
• Ability to coordinate personnel, resources, and operational activities among multiple agencies and departments to support fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and incident response efforts
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures consistently and objectively
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records, prepare clear and comprehensive reports, and effectively document inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, regulatory authorities, departmental personnel, and the public
• Ability to remain composed, prioritize responsibilities, and make sound decisions under pressure, including during emergency incidents and time-sensitive situations
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle while performing assigned duties in accordance with applicable traffic laws and County policies

Conditions of Employment Must hold or have the ability to obtain the following State certifications; Fire Inspector Level III, Haz-Mat I, and Fire Educator I, II, and III within three years of hire. Employees must be able to respond to specified emergencies or incidents on a 24-hour basis. In accordance with Session Law 2025-16, candidates selected for positions involving work with children in any capacity will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire. Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer. Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Benefits

Cumberland County offers a generous benefit plan including a Government Retirement Plan, 13 paid holidays per year and an Employee Wellness Center Clinic.To see more information about the benefits offered to employees Click here